CAAM proposes to delay implementation of China Ⅵ emission standard

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has proposed to delay the nationwide implementation of the China Ⅵ Emission standard, according to a local media outlet, citing Chen Shihua, assistant to the secretary-general of the association. However, the proposal still remains undisclosed, and whether it will be approved by authorities has been left unknown.

The light-duty vehicles sold and registered from July 1, 2020 are required to meet the China 6a standard, according to the Stage Ⅵ Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Light-Duty Vehicles (hereafter referred to as the China Ⅵ standard or China Ⅵ) jointly issued by China’s environmental protection department and the AQSIQ on December 23, 2016.

The standard applies to light-duty vehicles (M1, M2, and N1 categories up to 3,500 kg of maximum mass per the European regulatory classification) powered primarily by gasoline or diesel.

According to the document, there are two sets of emission limits—China 6a (CN6 a) and 6b (CN6 b)--for air and climate pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), particle number (PN), and nitrous oxide. They are set to be implemented in two phases countrywide—China 6a in July 1, 2020 and China 6b in July 1, 2023. 

A number of cities and provinces who are struggling with severe air contamination have decided to conduct both phases much earlier than the state's schedule. Some cities or provinces like Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangdong opted to skip the China 6a and directly execute the China 6b standard from July 1, 2019.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, automakers are facing the strong headwinds from the cloudy market climate. The impending execution of the stricter emission standard is likely to exacerbate the pressure as they may not have enough time to digest the inventory of China Ⅴ vehicles. Thus, the proposal was offered as a possible solution to ease the burden on carmakers, automobile dealers and suppliers.

Despite the ongoing anti-virus fight, both central and local governments are hampering out plans to boost vehicle transaction to promptly help the market get rebound. Foshan, a prefecture-level city in Guangdong Province, leads the country in launching substantial policies and incentives to encourage people to buy more cars. Local government announced that a consumer who buys vehicles that meet the China Ⅵ emission standard will be granted subsidy of RMB2,000-5,000 per vehicle.

Guangdong provincial government will push eligible regions to launch the subsidy policies for promoting the scrapping and replacement of old and used motor vehicles, according to a governmental file issued on Feb. 21.

Wang Bin, vice-director of the China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)'s Market Operation Department, said last week the ministry will make joint efforts with relevant authorities to draw up and promulgate the policies that help stabilize automobile consumption, so as to mitigate the impact from coronavirus outbreak.